English language version of the S3-consensus guidelines on chronic pancreatitis: Definition, aetiology, diagnostic examinations, medical, endoscopic and surgical management of chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a disease of the pancreas in which recurrent inflammatory episodes result in replacement of pancreatic parenchyma by fibrous connective tissue. This fibrotic reorganization of the pancreas leads to a progressive exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. In addition, characteristic complications arise, such as pseudocysts, pancreatic duct obstructions, duodenal obstruction, vascular complications, obstruction of the bile ducts, malnutrition and pain syndrome. Pain presents as the main symptom of patients with chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is a risk factor for pancreatic carcinoma. Chronic pancreatitis significantly reduces the quality of life and the life expectancy of affected patients. These guidelines were researched and compiled by 74 representatives from 11 learned societies and their intention is to serve evidence-based professional training as well as continuing education. On this basis they shall improve the medical care of affected patients in both the inpatient and outpatient sector. Chronic pancreatitis requires an adequate diagnostic workup and systematic management, given its severity, frequency, chronicity, and negative impact on the quality of life and life expectancy.

High spatial resolution and high contrast visualization of brain arteries and veins: impact of blood pool contrast agent and water-selective excitation imaging at 3T

PURPOSE

To investigate a blood pool contrast agent and water-selective excitation imaging at 3 T for high spatial and high contrast imaging of brain vessels including the veins.

METHODS AND RESULTS

48 clinical patients (47 ± 18 years old) were included. Based on clinical findings, twenty-four patients received a single dose of standard extracellular Gadoterate-meglumine (Dotarem®) and 24 received the blood pool contrast agent Gadofosveset (Vasovist®). After finishing routine MR protocols, all patients were investigated with two high spatial resolution (0.15 mm (3) voxel size) gradient echo sequences in random order in the equilibrium phase (steady-state) as approved by the review board: A standard RF-spoiled gradient-echo sequence (HR-SS, TR/TE 5.1/2.3 msec, FA 30°) and a fat-suppressed gradient-echo sequence with water-selective excitation (HR-FS, 1331 binominal-pulse, TR/TE 8.8/3.8 msec, FA 30°). The images were subjectively assessed (image quality with vessel contrast, artifacts, depiction of lesions) by two investigators and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were compared using the Student's t-test. The image quality and CNR in the HR-FS were significantly superior compared to the HR-SS for both contrast agents (p < 0.05). The CNR was also improved when using the blood pool agent but only to a minor extent while the subjective image quality was similar for both contrast agents.

CONCLUSION

The utilized sequence with water-selective excitation improved image quality and CNR properties in high spatial resolution imaging of brain arteries and veins. The used blood pool contrast agent improved the CNR only to a minor extent over the extracellular contrast agent.

Cationic liposomal paclitaxel in combination with gemcitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: A phase II trial

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Background: EndoTAG-1 is a novel cationic liposomal formulation of paclitaxel being developed for the treatment of solid malignancies. It acts by targeting activated negatively charged endothelial cells of tumor blood vessels. We present safety and efficacy data of a randomized, controlled phase II trial in pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods: 200 patients with advanced PC were randomized to 1st line treatment with weekly gemcitabine (GEM: 1000 mg/m2) and twice weekly infusions of EndoTAG-1 (E) at 3 different dose levels (Elow: 11 mg/m2, Emed: 22 mg/m2, Ehigh: 44 mg/m2) or GEM monotherapy. Patients were treated for 7 weeks and followed up for overall survival (OS) for at least 1 year. After finishing study treatment, any anti-tumor therapy was allowed. A subgroup of patients had the option to receive repeated cycles of combination therapy in case of at least stable disease according to RECIST until disease progression. Results: Median OS was substantially higher in the GEM+Emed and GEM+ Ehigh groups than the GEM monotherapy group. Adjusted hazard ratios for OS were 0.72 (95% CI 0.46–1.13) and 0.67 (0.43–1.07). In patients receiving >1 treatment cycle, median OS was 11.5 months (GEM+Ehigh); in the GEM+Emed group 75% of patients were alive at 1 year. Treatment with EndoTAG-1 and gemcitabine was generally well tolerated. A trend for increasing adverse event frequency with EndoTAG-1 dose was observed for infusion-related reactions associated with chills and pyrexia, and thrombocytopenia. The overall frequency of serious adverse events in the GEM+E groups was low, the most frequent SAE being pyrexia in 4 (8%) patients in the GEM+Ehigh group. There was no indication for significant organ toxicity associated with EndoTAG-1, even in patients receiving multiple treatment cycles. Conclusions: This phase II trial indicates a considerable survival benefit for patients with advanced PC receiving EndoTAG-1 in combination with gemcitabine and a favourable safety profile warranting further development of EndoTAG-1 in this indication.

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